Systems and methods for impact resistant and photovoltaic windows

ABSTRACT

An impact-resistant, photovoltaic (IRPV) window system is provided. The system may include an IRPV window coupled to a structure, a controller, and an insurance computing device. The IRPV window may include an impact resistant (IR) layer, a photovoltaic (PV) material that may generate an electrical output, and an electrode coupled to the PV material that may receive the electrical output. The IRPV window may permit a portion of visible light to pass through the IRPV window. The controller may monitor the electrical output and generate a solar profile of the structure based upon the electrical output. The insurance computing device may receive the solar profile and determine if an insurance policy associated with the structure is eligible for a policy adjustment and/or an insurance reward or discount offer.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of, and claims the benefit of, U.S.patent application Ser. No. 15/172,956, filed on Jun. 3, 2016 andentitled “Systems and Methods for Impact Resistant and PhotovoltaicWindows, which is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/172,714, filed on Jun. 3, 2016, and U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/173,019, filed on Jun. 3, 2016, and claims the benefit of priority ofU.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/203,709, filed Aug. 11,2015, the contents of all are hereby incorporated by reference, in theirentireties and for all purposes, herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to impact-resistant, photovoltaic (IRPV)windows and, more particularly, to systems and methods for generatingand analyzing a solar profile of a structure based upon an electricaloutput of the IRPV windows.

BACKGROUND

Windows are installed into buildings and vehicles to enable light (e.g.,sunlight) to pass inside a building or vehicle (generally referred to as“structure”) from outside while preventing external objects, animals,weather, and/or noise from entering the interior of the structure. Asused herein, a window means an opening in a wall, door, roof, or vehiclethat allows for the passage of light and, if not closed or sealed, airand sound. The windows may be configured to pass at least some visiblelight to the interior of the structure and may generally be made of amaterial that is transparent or partially transparent (i.e.,translucent) such as glass. The windows may provide lighting to theinterior of the structure and enable a person to view inside and outsideof the structure. However, the windows may be impacted by sharp, heavy,and/or fast objects or weather that may cause the windows to be damagedor broken. For example, a hurricane may include high-speed winds thatimpact the windows of a building and/or throw wind-borne debris (e.g.,branches and rocks) at the windows and cause the windows to break,leaving the window opening breached. The air pressure within thebuilding may rapidly increase as a result and cause another structuresuch as another window, a door, and/or a roof to be damaged. The piecesof the broken windows may be thrown by the wind and potentially causeharm to a person.

Replacing windows in a building or vehicle may be costly and/orinconvenient to an owner of the structure. Although insurance providersmay cover some costs related to replacing windows, structures withrepeated window damage or structures located in areas with a high riskof potential window damage (e.g., a location having frequent hurricanes,tornados, or severe thunderstorms) may be subject to reduced insurancecoverage and/or increased insurance costs for the structure.

Insurance providers may provide incentives (e.g., extended coverage,reduced costs, etc.) for the owner of the structure and/or a policyholder (also referred to as an “insured”) covering the structure toinstall windows including preventative measures against damaging and/orbreaking. The windows with preventative measures may reduce the risk ofdamaged windows, breached window openings, and the cost of replacing thewindows frequently. However, the windows with preventative measures maycost substantially more than windows without preventative measures. Theowner and/or the policy holder may be averse to spending additionalmoney that may not generate any additional savings to help cover thecost of the windows. The windows may be a preventative feature and anysavings generated by the windows may not be easily quantified for theowner and/or policy holder to justify the additional cost.

In some known systems, photovoltaic (PV) systems and other energyproducing systems may be installed with other structures to provide aself-sufficient energy source. The PV system may be, for example, anarray of PV cells configured to convert solar energy to electricalenergy. The energy production of PV systems may be enticing to owners ofthe structures as a way to reduce utility (e.g., electricity) costsand/or generate additional revenue (i.e., selling energy produced by thePV system to others). The reduced costs and/or additional revenue maycover the cost of installing the PV system over time. However, some PVsystems may require a large amount of installation space for absorbingsolar energy that may not be available to the structures. For example,some buildings in cities may not have enough space to be able to installa PV system that is large enough to produce enough electrical energy tojustify the cost of the PV system.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present embodiments may relate to systems and methods for collectingsolar energy with impact-resistant, photovoltaic (IRPV) windows andgenerating a solar profile of a structure including the IRPV windows foranalysis. The IRPV windows may include an impact-resistant (IR) materialand a photovoltaic (PV) material. The IR material may include, forexample, polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), PET,and/or a resin material. The PV material (e.g., a doped semiconductor ora conductive organic polymer) may absorb light to produce an electricaloutput that may be used to power the structure or some other structures.In some embodiments, the electrical output of the IRPV windows may becoupled to an inverter for inverting, filtering, and/or isolating theelectrical output. The electrical output of the IRPV windows may bemonitored by a controller. The controller may generate a solar profileof the structure based upon the electrical output and transmit the solarprofile to a user computing device, an insurance computing device,and/or a utility computing device. In some embodiments, the insurancecomputing device may receive the solar profile and identify thestructure associated with the solar profile. The insurance computingdevice may determine if an insurance policy associated with thestructure is eligible for a policy adjustment and/or an insurance rewardoffer (e.g., a discount) based upon the solar profile. If the insurancepolicy is eligible, the insurance computing device applies the policyadjustment and/or the insurance reward offer to the insurance policy.

In one aspect, an IRPV window system may be provided. The system mayinclude an IRPV window coupled to a structure, a controller, and/or aninsurance computing device. The IRPV window may include an IR layer, aPV material that may generate an electrical output, and/or an electrodecoupled to the PV material that may receive the electrical output. TheIRPV window may permit a portion of visible light to pass through theIRPV window. The controller may monitor the electrical output andgenerate a solar profile of the structure based upon the electricaloutput. The insurance computing device may receive the solar profile anddetermine if an insurance policy associated with the structure iseligible for a policy adjustment and/or an insurance reward offer. Thesystem may include additional, less, or alternate functionality,including those discussed elsewhere herein.

In another aspect, an impact-resistant, photovoltaic (IRPV) windowsystem may include (1) an IRPV window coupled to a structure, the IRPVwindow comprising a glass layer or layers, an impact resistant (IR)layer or material, a photovoltaic (PV) layer or material configured togenerate an electrical output, and an electrode coupled to the PVmaterial that receives the electrical output, the IRPV window configuredto permit at least a portion of visible light to pass through the IRPVwindow; and (2) a controller comprising at least one processor and amemory, wherein the controller is configured to monitor the electricaloutput and generate a solar profile of the structure based at least inpart on the electrical output. The system may include additional, less,or alternate functionality, including those discussed elsewhere herein.

In another aspect, a computer-implemented method for generating a solarprofile of a structure including at least one IRPV window may beprovided. The method may include monitoring, with a controller, anelectrical output of the at least one IRPV window. The method maygenerate, by the controller, the solar profile based, at least in part,on the electrical output. The method may further include transmitting,from the controller, the solar profile to a first remote computingdevice. The method may include additional, less, or alternate actions,including those discussed elsewhere herein.

In yet another aspect, at least one non-transitory computer-readablestorage media having computer-executable instructions embodied thereonmay be provided. The computer-executable instructions, when executed byat least one processor, may cause the processor to monitor an electricaloutput of the at least one IRPV window. The computer-executableinstructions may further cause the processor to generate a solar profileof a structure based, at least in part, on the electrical output and/ortransmit the solar profile to a first remote computing device.Additional, less, or alternate instructions may be provided such asinstructions directing the functionality discussed elsewhere herein.

Ina further aspect, a computer-implemented method for analyzing a solarprofile of a structure including at least one IRPV window may beprovided. The method may include receiving, at an insurance computingdevice, the solar profile. The method may further include identifying,with the insurance computing device, the structure associated with thesolar profile and/or determining, with the insurance computing device,whether an insurance policy associated with the structure is eligiblefor at least one of a policy adjustment and an insurance reward offerbased upon the solar profile. The method may include additional, less,or alternate actions, including those discussed elsewhere herein.

In another aspect, at least one non-transitory computer-readable storagemedia having computer-executable instructions embodied thereon may beprovided. The computer-executable instructions, when executed by atleast one processor, may cause the processor to receive a solar profileof a structure including at least one IRPV window and/or identify thestructure associated with the solar profile. The computer-executableinstructions may further cause the processor to determine whether aninsurance policy associated with the structure is eligible for at leastone of a policy adjustment and an insurance reward offer based upon thesolar profile. Additional, less, or alternate instructions may beprovided such as instructions directing the functionality discussedelsewhere herein.

In yet another aspect, an IRPV window system may be provided. The IRPVwindow system may include an insurance computing device including atleast one processor and a memory. The insurance computing device mayreceive a solar profile of a structure that indicates an electricaloutput of an IRPV window and/or identify the structure associated withthe solar profile. The method may further determine whether an insurancepolicy associated with the structure is eligible for at least one of apolicy adjustment and an insurance reward offer. The system may includeadditional, less, or alternate functionality, including those discussedelsewhere herein.

Advantages will become more apparent to those skilled in the art fromthe following description of the preferred embodiments which have beenshown and described by way of illustration. As will be realized, thepresent embodiments may be capable of other and different embodiments,and their details are capable of modification in various respects.Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded asillustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The Figures described below depict various aspects of the systems andmethods disclosed therein. It should be understood that each Figuredepicts an embodiment of a particular aspect of the disclosed systemsand methods, and that each of the Figures is intended to accord with apossible embodiment thereof. Further, wherever possible, the followingdescription refers to the reference numerals included in the followingFigures, in which features depicted in multiple Figures are designatedwith consistent reference numerals.

There are shown in the drawings arrangements which are presentlydiscussed, it being understood, however, that the present embodimentsare not limited to the precise arrangements and are instrumentalitiesshown, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary impact-resistant, photovoltaic (IRPV)window system.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary structure with IRPV windows that is partof an IRPV window system, such as the system shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates another exemplary structure with IRPV windows that ispart of an IRPV window system, such as the system shown in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 4-6 illustrate exemplary IRPV windows that may be used in an IRPVwindow system, such as the system shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary photovoltaic (PV) layer that may be usedin an IRPV window system, such as the system shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary computing system that may be used in anIRPV window system, such as the system shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary server computing system that may be usedin an IRPV window system, such as the system shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary computer-implemented method forgenerating a solar profile of a structure with IRPV windows, where themethod may be implemented by an IRPV window system, such as the systemshown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary computer-implemented method foranalyzing a solar profile of a structure with IRPV windows, where themethod may be implemented by an IRPV window system, such as the systemshown in FIG. 1.

The Figures depict preferred embodiments for purposes of illustrationonly. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the followingdiscussion that alternative embodiments of the systems and methodsillustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principlesof the invention described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present embodiments may relate to, inter alia, systems and methodsfor collecting solar energy with impact-resistant, photovoltaic (IRPV)windows and generating a solar profile of a structure. As used herein, astructure may include any infrastructure (e.g., a building), vehicle, orother object or location that may include windows. A “solar profile”refers to data collected regarding the structure, energy production ofthe structure (e.g., energy produced by the IRPV windows), and/or energyconsumption of the structure. The IRPV windows may be configured topermit at least a portion of visible light to pass through the window.The IRPV windows may generally include an outer layer such as, forexample, glass, polycarbonate, or polyethylene terephthalate (PET)coupled to one or more layers of an impact-resistant (IR) material and aphotovoltaic (PV) material for preventing window damage and producingelectrical power. The IR material may enable the IRPV windows towithstand an impact from an external object or a weather conditionwithout shattering or permitting objects to penetrate the IRPV windows.The IR material may include, for example, polyvinyl butyral (PVB),ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), PET, and/or a resin material. The PVmaterial (e.g., a doped semiconductor or a conductive organic polymer)may absorb light to produce a voltage or current output that may be usedto power the structure or some other structures.

In the exemplary embodiment, the IR material may be combined with a filmor glass layers to form an IR layer. The PV material may be combinedwith one or more electrodes, protective material (e.g., glass), and/orreflective material such as aluminum or Plexiglas to form a PV layer.The PV layer may include wires for transmitting an electrical outputfrom the PV layer. Alternatively, the IR layer and the PV layer may becombined to integrally form a single layer. In the exemplary embodiment,the IR layer and PV layer may be coupled to each other by, for example,heat and/or pressure treatments or fasteners (e.g., adhesive, hooks,screws, bolts, etc.). In one suitable embodiment, the IRPV window may beformed by coupling the IR layer and the PV layer with a first protectivelayer of glass or other window material. The IR layer and the PV layermay be coupled between the first protective layer and a secondprotective layer.

In the exemplary embodiment, at least one IRPV window may be installedinto the structure. The PV layers of the IRPV windows may beelectrically coupled to an inverter to convert a direct current (DC)output from the PV layers to an alternating current (AC) output. Acontroller may include the inverter or may be in communication with theinverter. The controller may monitor the energy produced by the IRPVwindows and/or other energy producing infrastructure such as PV arraysin addition to information regarding the structure (e.g., the locationof the structure, the weather at the structure's location, the directionof the IRPV windows) and the energy consumption of the structure. Thecontroller may then generate a solar profile of the structure. Thecontroller may transmit the solar profile to a user computing device, aninsurance computing device, and/or a utility computing device foranalysis.

The user computing device may be a desktop computer, smartphone, tablet,or other computing device that enables a user (e.g., the owner of thestructure and/or the insured) to view the solar profile. The insurancecomputing device may be implemented by an insurance provider such as aninsurance carrier or a third party related to the insurance carrierassociated with the structure. The insurance provider may adjust aninsurance policy covering or associated with the structure based, atleast in part, on the solar profile. For example, the insurance providermay reduce the cost of the insurance policy if the structure producesmore energy than thirty percent of the energy consumption of thestructure. In another example, the insurance provider may reduce thecost of the insurance policy and/or any insurance claims associated withinterior damage of the structure based on the structure including IRPVwindows. The utility computing device may be implemented by a utilityservice provider to monitor, adjust, and/or provide notifications to thecontroller, the user computing device, and/or the insurance computingdevice.

At least one of the technical problems addressed by this system mayinclude: (i) limited impact resistance of conventional windows; (ii)increased costs from replacing windows; (iii) increased interior damageto structure and personal property within the structure as a result ofbreached window openings; (iv) conventionally, windows may not produceany energy for the structure; (v) heat produced by infrared andultraviolet light passing through conventional windows may increaseutility costs such as air conditioning; (vi) customers and potentialcustomers may be averse to costs associated with windows withpreventative features such as impact resistance; and/or (vii) roofs, asa conventional location to host PV panels, have limited space for PVpanels and other devices.

A technical effect of the systems and processes described herein may beachieved by performing at least one of the following steps: (a)monitoring an electrical output of at least one IRPV window installed ona structure with a controller; (b) generate a solar profile of thestructure based, at least in part, on the electrical output in responseto an on-demand or recurring request; (c) transmit the solar profile toa user computing device, an insurance computing device, and/or a utilitydevice; (d) identify an insurance policy associated with the structure;and/or (e) determine whether the insurance policy is eligible for atleast one of an insurance reward offer and an insurance policyadjustment.

The technical effect achieved by this system may be at least one of: (i)increased impact resistance of windows; (ii) reduced number of windowreplacements may reduce costs of insurance policies for the insuredand/or the insurance provider; (iii) reduced interior damage tostructure and personal property within the structure as a result ofbreached window openings; (iv) energy produced by the IRPV windows maybe used by the structure instead of purchasing electricity; (v) infraredand ultraviolet light may be absorbed before entering the structure bythe IRPV windows and utility costs associated with cooling may bereduced; (vi) the owner of the structure and/or the insured may be lessaverse to purchase IRPV windows and monitor benefit of the IRPV windowswith the solar profile; and/or (vii) increased space to install IRPVwindows over conventional rooftop PV panels.

As used herein, “layer” and “window layer” refer to a section of awindow that may enable a portion of light to pass through the window. Awindow may include a plurality of layers. The layers may be defined bythe material composition of the layer and/or the features of the layer.For example, a layer of glass may be distinct from a layer of the IRmaterial. In another example, a layer including the PV material may alsoinclude other components such as electrodes to facilitate generating anelectrical output. The above examples are example only, and are thus notintended to limit in any way the definition and/or meaning of the term“layer” or “window layer”.

Exemplary Impact-Resistant Photovoltaic Window System

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary IRPV window system 100. System 100 mayinclude a structure 102, IRPV windows 104, an inverter 106, a controller108, a user computing device 110, an insurance computing device 120and/or a utility computing device 130. System 100 may collect PV energyfrom structure 102 and generate and analyze a solar profile of structure102. System 100 may include additional, fewer, or alternate components,including those discussed elsewhere herein.

Structure 102 may include any infrastructure (e.g., a building),vehicle, or other object or location that may include windows. In theexemplary embodiment, structure 102 may have two IRPV windows 104installed. In other suitable embodiments, structure 102 may have adifferent number of IRPV windows 104 (including one) and/or otherwindows installed. Structure 102 may secure IRPV windows 104 tostructure 102 by any fastening means such as, but not limited to, awindow frame, adhesive, bolts, screws, hooks, and/or welding materialsuitable for anchoring and capable of resisting wind and impact loadsfor which IRPV windows 104 are designed. In some embodiments, structure102 may further include or store inverter 106 and/or controller 108. Inthe exemplary embodiment, structure 102 may be covered by an insurancepolicy from an insurance provider. The insurance provider may include aninsurance carrier or a third party related to an insurance carrierassociated with structure 102.

In the exemplary embodiment, IRPV windows 104 may be configured to fitwindow openings in structure 102. In other embodiments, IRPV windows 104may be any size, any shape, and/or may include spacers, a frame, and/orany other component to configure IRPV windows 104 to fit window openingsin structure 102 or a different structure. In some embodiments, IRPVwindows 104 may be substantially planar (i.e., flat). Alternatively,IRPV windows 104 may be curved and/or angled.

IRPV windows 104 may include an IR material and a PV material (not shownin FIG. 1). The IR material may provide IRPV windows 104 additionalresistance against impact damage (e.g., high-speed wind, flying debris,thrown objects, etc.). IRPV windows 104 may absorb at least a portion ofa force from an impact and distribute the force over an area of IRPVwindows 104. In the event of an impact that causes damage to IRPV window104, the IR material may inhibit IRPV window 104 from shattering and/orresisting penetration through IRPV window 104. For example, a vehiclewith IRPV windows 104 that is struck by hail may develop cracks in IRPVwindows 104 from impact damage but may not break. Additionally oralternatively, IRPV windows 104 may be configured to break apart inpieces such that dangers associated with shattered windows (e.g., sharpedges, window frames with loose window shards) may be inhibited. In theexemplary embodiment, the IR material may be configured to satisfymanufacturing or testing standards for missiles (i.e., debris and otherflying objects). In at least some embodiments, the IR material may beconfigured to satisfy American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)standards such as ASTM E1886 and E1996.

In the exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of visible light maypass through the IR material (i.e., the IR material may be transparentor translucent). Other light of the electromagnetic spectrum such asinfrared light and ultraviolet light may pass through the IR material.Alternatively or additionally, other light of the electromagneticspectrum may be reflected and/or absorbed by the IR material. The IRmaterial may include any material or a combination of materials thatprovides impact resistance and enables at least a portion of visiblelight to pass through IRPV windows 104. For example, the IR material mayinclude, but is not limited to, PVB, EVA, PET, a resin material, and/ora combination of any of the materials. In some embodiments, the IRmaterial may be applied to IRPV windows 104 as a film, a window layer ofthe IR material (referred to as an “IR layer”), and/or in combinationwith another material in a window layer (e.g., a layer of the IRmaterial combined with glass and/or the PV material).

The PV material, when exposed to light, may produce electrical energy.The electrical energy may be a direct current (DC) output and/or analternating current (AC) output. The PV material may include anymaterial or combination of materials with PV capabilities that enablesat least a portion of visible light to pass through IRPV windows 104.The materials may include, but are not limited to, a semiconductor(e.g., silicon, gallium arsenide) and/or a conductive organic polymersuch as poly(phenylene vinylene), phtalocyanine, and/or polyacetylene.The PV material may include one or more doped portions to increase thePV capabilities of the PV material. For example, the PV material mayinclude one or more n-type and/or p-type portions.

IRPV windows 104 may further include electrodes, reflective materials,electrical contacts, and/or protective films or layers (not shown inFIG. 1) to retrieve an electrical output from the PV material and/orprotect the PV material. In some embodiments, the PV material, theelectrodes, the reflective materials, the electrical contacts, and/orthe protective films may be implemented in IRPV windows 104 as a film, awindow layer (referred to as a “PV layer”), and/or in combination withanother material in a window layer. In the exemplary embodiment, the PVmaterial and associated components may be laminated. IRPV windows 104may include insulation to inhibit the risk of electrical shock.Additionally or alternatively, structure 102 may include insulation suchas window frames made using, for example, wood, plastic, and/or rubber,and/or incorporating thermal-break details.

In the exemplary embodiment, IRPV windows 104 may further include aprotective material (not shown in FIG. 1). The protective material maybe configured to enable light to pass through IRPV windows 104. Theprotective material may include, for example, glass, plastic, and/oranother material or combination of materials commonly used in knownwindows. In the exemplary embodiment, the protective material may beformed into two protective layers. The IR material and/or the PVmaterial may be coupled between or external of the protective layers.The protective layers may provide support and protection from externalstimuli, e.g., weather, to the IR material and the PV material. In otherembodiments, the protective material may be formed into a film betweenwindow layers, a different number of protective layers, and/or withanother material such as the IR material and/or the PV material. In someembodiments, the protective material may form two spaced apart windowlayers with a vacuum or inert gas between the layers to provideinsulation to building 102.

In the exemplary embodiment, the electrical outputs of IRPV windows 104are coupled to inverter 106. Inverter 106 may include any knowncomponents and/or circuits to convert, clean, isolate, amplify, and/ordistribute the electrical output. For example, inverter 106 may include,but is not limited to, filters, bridge circuits, rectifying circuits,switches, transformers, and/or energy storage circuits. In someembodiments where system 100 includes a plurality of inverters 106, eachIRPV window 104 or a portion of IRPV windows 104 may be coupled to eachinverter 106 to inhibit component wear from substantial electricaloutputs. Alternatively or additionally, inverters 106 may be coupled atthe output of another inverter 106 to form a hierarchical structure.

When the electrical outputs of IRPV windows 104 are DC outputs, inverter106 may be configured to convert the electrical output to an AC output.In some embodiments, inverter 106 does not convert the electrical outputof the IRPV windows 104. Inverter 106 may be further configured tofilter and/or isolate the electrical outputs to reduce electrical noiseand power losses. In some embodiments, the output of invertor 106 may becoupled to an electrical grid, an energy storage device (e.g., abattery), an electrical device such as a mobile phone connected toinverter 106, and/or another invertor 106. Inverter 106 may includemeans to control where the output of inverter 106 is directed.

Inverter 106 may be further configured to monitor electrical data suchas power, current, and/or voltage data from the electrical output ofIRPV windows 104 and/or the output of inverter 106. Inverter 106 mayinclude any sensor component or circuit for monitoring electrical datasuch as, for example, a Hall effect sensor (to detect current) and/or aresistive sensor. In one embodiment, inverter 106 may further includeother sensor components and/or circuits for measuring non-electricaldata, such as a temperature of IRPV windows 104. In other embodiments,IRPV windows 104 and/or controller 108 may include the sensorcomponents.

Controller 108 may be communicatively coupled to IRPV windows 104,inverter 106, user computing device 110, insurance computing device 120,and/or utility computing device 130. Controller 108 may include anycommunications means to transmit and receive data with system 100. Insome embodiments, controller 108 may be communicatively coupled to aplurality of systems 100. In the exemplary embodiment, controller 108may include inverter 106. Controller 108 may be configured to controlinverter 106. Controller 108 may be an exemplary computing device asdescribed below. Controller 108 may be further configured to receiveelectrical data and/or other data, e.g., temperature and location data,from system 100 and generate a solar profile of structure 102. The solarprofile may include data collected regarding the structure, energyproduction of the structure (e.g., energy produced by the IRPV windows),and/or energy consumption of structure 102 over a period of time and/orreal-time. The solar profile may further include analysis of thecollected data from controller 108. Alternatively or additionally,controller 108 may include sensors (not shown) for monitoring electricaldata and/or other data of system 100. Although referred to as a “solarprofile”, it is to be understood that the solar profile may include datarelated to damage resistance and other data that is not related to solarenergy.

In the exemplary embodiment, controller 108 may receive electrical datafrom inverter 106. In some embodiments, the electrical data may includeidentifiers to enable controller 108 to identify the origin of a portionof the electrical data (i.e., which IRPV window 104 and/or group of IRPVwindows the portion of the electrical data is associated with). Forexample, controller 108 may determine that the portion of electricaldata came from an IRPV window 104 on the southwest side of structure102. In the exemplary embodiment, controller 108 determines the amountof electrical energy or power produced by IRPV windows 104.

In some embodiments, controller 108 may be communicatively coupled toother energy sources (e.g., PV arrays, wind turbines, hydroelectricsystems, etc.), energy storage devices such as a battery, and/orelectrical meters (not shown) of system 100. Controller 108 maydetermine the amount of electrical energy produced, stored, and/orconsumed by system 100 based at least in part on electrical datareceived from IRPV windows 104, the other energy sources, energy storagedevices, and/or electrical meters. The electrical meters may beconfigured to send electrical data indicating the amount of energyreceived or purchased from a utility grid. In the exemplary embodiment,the solar profile may further include voltage data, current data, and/orother electrical data collected by controller 108. In certainembodiments, controller 108 stores the electrical data to keephistorical electrical data on system 100.

In certain embodiments, controller 108 may receive weather, time and/orlocation data of structure 102. In the exemplary embodiment, the solarprofile may include at least a portion of the weather, time, and/orlocation data. The weather data may be include, but is not limited to,temperature, precipitation estimates, ultraviolet index, wind speeds,wind direction, weather conditions (e.g., cloudy, partly cloudy, sunny,chance of thunderstorms, etc.), and/or historical weather data. The timedata may include a time and date stamp, sun data (i.e., time of sunrise,time of sunset), moon data, and/or historical time data. The locationdata may include Global Positioning System (GPS) data, regional data,direction data such as the orientation and direction of IRPV windows104, and/or historical location data. Regional data may identify aregion or area of interest that includes structure 102. For example, theregional data may indicate that structure 102 is in a locationassociated with frequent hurricanes. In some embodiments, controller 108may receive the weather, time, and/or location data from user computingdevice 110, insurance computing device 120, utility computing device130, and/or another computing device (not shown). Alternatively oradditionally, controller 108 may store the weather, time, and/orlocation data.

Controller 108 may be configured to estimate the amount of energyproduced and consumed by structure 102 based at least in part on datareceived from system 100. In particular, controller 108 may estimate theenergy produced by IRPV windows 104. For example, controller 108 mayanalyze weather data to see if there has been any rain at the locationof structure 102. If controller 108 determines there was rain,controller 108 may attempt to locate similar historical data and provideenergy production estimates similar to the historical data. Controller108 may provide additional analysis of the data received from system100, such as determining a percentage of electrical energy consumed thatis covered by energy produced by IRPV window 104.

In some embodiments, the solar profile may include IR data and/oranalysis. For example, controller 108 may determine that IRPV windows104 were subjected to weather conditions that may cause window damage.In another example, a window layer including the IR material (such asthe IR layer) may be coupled to a sensor that may detect temperature,impact force, and/or damage to the window layer. In at least oneembodiment, controller 108 may be configured to determine if IRPVwindows 104 have been damaged. For example, controller 108 may determineIRPV windows 104 have been damaged using the collected electrical data.In another example, controller 108 may be in communication with one ormore sensors (not shown) installed at IRPV windows 104 that areconfigured to sense damage and/or penetration for each IRPV window.

Controller 108 may aggregate the collected data from system 100 and theanalysis produced by controller 108 to generate the solar profile. Incertain embodiments, controller 108 may selectively aggregate thecollected data and the analysis, e.g., controller 108 may receive arequest to not include any weather data. Controller 108 may beconfigured to generate the solar profile at a given frequency (e.g.,daily, weekly, etc.). Alternatively or additionally, controller 108 maygenerate the solar profile in response to a request from at least usercomputing device 110, insurance computing device 120, and/or utilitycomputing device 130. In the exemplary embodiment, controller 108transmits the solar profile to user computing device 110, insurancecomputing device 120, and/or utility computing device 130. Additionallyor alternatively, user computing device 110, insurance computing device120, and/or utility computing device 130 may be communicatively coupledto each other to transmit the solar profile. In some embodiments,controller 108 may selectively transmit a portion of the solar profile.In one example, controller 108 may not transmit a portion of the solarprofile associated with other energy sources of structure 102 toinsurance computing device 120. In the same example, controller 108 maynot transmit a different portion of the solar profile associated withweather data to utility computing device 130.

In the exemplary embodiment, controller 108 stores the solar profile. Insome embodiments, controller 108 may send the solar profile to a remotecomputing device such as a server for storage. Controller 108 may storethe past solar profiles individually (i.e., each solar profile isidentifiable and searchable) and/or as part of one or more accumulatedsolar profiles. The accumulated solar profiles may represent data from aplurality of solar profiles combined. In one example, where a typicalsolar profile is generated every week, an accumulated solar profile mayrepresent solar profiles from the past year. User computing device 110,insurance computing device 120, and/or utility computing device 130 mayrequest the accumulated solar profiles from controller 108. In someembodiments, user computing device 110, insurance computing device 120,and/or utility computing device 130 may send additional information tocontroller 108 that may be added to the solar profiles as describedherein.

User computing device 110 may be associated with an owner of structure102 or an insured of structure 102. User computing device 110 may befurther be associated with another user related to structure 102, suchas a maintenance staff member or an accountant associated with structure102. In some embodiments, system 100 may include a plurality of usercomputing devices 110. User computing device 110 may be a computingdevice as described herein, or other computing devices. In the exemplaryembodiment, user computing device 110 may be a mobile device (e.g.,smartphone, laptop, tablet, wearable electronic, smart glasses, smartwatch, smart bracelet, phablet, notebook, netbook, etc.) running anapplication for displaying the solar profile.

In addition, user computing device 110 may include any communicationmeans to transmit and receive data with system 100. User computingdevice 110 may include a display configured to present a user interfaceto a user. User computing device 110 receives the solar profile fromcontroller 108 and displays the solar profile to the user for analysis.In some embodiments, user computing device 110 may be configured totransmit and/or receive the solar profile from insurance computingdevice 120 and/or utility computing device 130.

In some embodiments, user computing device 110 may configure at least aportion of system 100. For example, a user may specify any additionalenergy sources for structure 102 or identify the location of each IRPVwindow 104 on structure 102. User computing device 110 may controlcontroller 108 and/or inverter 106 to direct energy produced by IRPVwindows 104 to a different load, e.g., a battery or a grid. A user mayprovide updates to system 100 such as indicating an IRPV window has beenremoved or broken. User computing device 110 may be further configuredto receive notifications from system 100 as described herein.

Insurance computing device 120 may be associated with an insuranceprovider. The insurance provider may include an insurance carrier or athird party related to an insurance carrier. In the exemplaryembodiment, the insurance provider may be associated with structure 102.In some embodiments, system 100 may include a plurality of insurancecomputing devices 120 associated with one or more insurance providers.Insurance computing device 120 may be a computing device as describeherein, or other computing devices.

In addition, insurance computing device 120 may include anycommunication means to transmit and receive data with system 100.Insurance computing device 120 may receive the solar profile fromcontroller 108 for insurance analysis. In some embodiments, insurancecomputing device may further be configured to transmit and/or receivethe solar profile from user computing device 110 and/or utilitycomputing device 130.

Insurance computing device 120, upon receiving the solar profile, maydetermine if the insured and/or the owner of structure 102 is eligiblefor a reward or policy adjustment of an insurance policy associated withstructure 102. For example, insurance computing device 120 may reviewthe solar profile to determine if the energy produced by IRPV windows104, when compared to the energy consumed by structure 102, exceeds athreshold value. If the energy produced exceeds the threshold value,insurance computing device 120 may offer a coupon and/or increase thecoverage of the insurance policy. In another example, insurancecomputing device 120 may detect that there has been no adverse weatherthat may damage known windows for a specified period of time. Insurancecomputing device 120 may reduce the cost of the insurance policy ofstructure 102 in response. In some embodiments, insurance computingdevice 120 may perform a different insurance-related task based upon thesolar profile.

Insurance computing device 120 may aggregated the solar profile ofstructure 102 with solar profiles for other structures. Insurancecomputing device 120 may transmit the aggregated solar profile to usercomputing device 110 and/or utility computing device 130 for trend anddemographic analysis. Insurance computing device 120 may be furtherconfigured to transmit the aggregated solar profile to controller 108.Alternatively or additionally, utility computing device 130 may beconfigured to generate and transmit the aggregated solar profile.

Insurance computing device 120 may be in communication with usercomputing device 110 and/or utility computing device 130 to transmitnotifications regarding the insurance policy and/or the solar profile.User computing device 110 may receive, for example, alerts regardingchanges in the insurance policy, pending offers, and/or reportssummarizing the solar profile. In some embodiments, the user may opt-inor opt-out of the notification services.

Utility computing device 130 may be associated with a utility serviceprovider (e.g., a power company). In the exemplary embodiment, theutility service provider may operate a grid, “smart grid”, or otherelectrical distribution system. Utility computing device 130 may be acomputing device as described herein, or another computing device. Incertain embodiments, where structure 102 is a vehicle, utility computingdevice 130 may be a computing device or controller installed instructure 102 that is configured to manage power production andconsumption of structure 102. In some embodiments, system 100 mayinclude a plurality of utility computing devices. Utility computingdevice 130 may be configured to monitor and/or control system 100. Theutility service provider, upon receiving the solar profile of structure102, may determine a control strategy for the electrical distributionsystem of the utility service provider. In one embodiment, utilitycomputing device 130 may control whether the electrical output of system100 is coupled to a grid, an energy storage device, and/or an electronicdevice. Utility computing device 130 may store the solar profile forfurther analysis and/or creating aggregated solar profiles.

Utility computing device 130 may be communicatively coupled to usercomputing device 110 and/or insurance computing device 120 to send andreceive information regarding structure 102 and the solar profile. Forexample, utility computing device 130 may send notifications to usercomputing device 110 regarding estimated solar profile data, errorslocated in solar profile data, and/or any grid activities such asblackouts that may be relevant to structure 102. In one embodiment,utility computing device 130 may present user computing device 110 withan offer to purchase electricity generated at least by IRPV windows 104.Utility computing device 130 may send insurance computing device 120information regarding the solar profile in order to verify that thesolar profile may be correct.

Exemplary Structures with IRPV Windows

FIG. 2 is an exemplary embodiment of structure 202 that includes IRPVwindows 204, an inverter 206, and/or a controller 208. Structure 202 maybe used in an IRPV window system, such as system 100 shown in FIG. 1. Inthe absence of contrary representation, structure 202, IRPV windows 204,inverter 206, and/or controller 208 may be similar to structure 102,IRPV windows 104, inverter 106, and/or controller 108. Structure 202,IRPV windows 204, inverter 206, and/or controller 208 may includeadditional, fewer, or alternate components, including those discussedelsewhere herein.

In the exemplary embodiment, structure 202 may be a building with IRPVwindows 204. Structure 202 may include window frames to support IRPVwindows 204 and insulate an electrical output of each IRPV window 204from contact. In some embodiments, structure 202 may further includeheat dissipation systems (e.g., heat sinks, fluid cooling, etc.) toprovide cooling to IRPV windows 204. Each IRPV window 204 may beconfigured to transmit an electrical output to inverter 206. In someembodiments, IRPV windows 204 may send information, such as a uniqueidentifier, to inverter 206 and/or controller 208. In the exemplaryembodiment, inverter 206 may be located within structure 202. In otherembodiments, inverter 206 may be located away from structure 202.Controller 208 may be communicatively coupled to inverter 206 to monitorthe electrical output of IRPV windows 204. In one embodiment, controller208 may be coupled to a plurality of inverters 206 such that eachinverter is associated with a different structure 202.

FIG. 3 illustrates another exemplary structure 302 that includes IRPVwindows 304 and a controller 308. Structure 302 may be used in an IRPVwindow system, such as system 100 shown in FIG. 1. In the absence ofcontrary representation, structure 302, IRPV windows 304, and/orcontroller 308 may be similar to structure 102, IRPV windows 104, and/orcontroller 108. Structure 302, IRPV windows 304, and/or controller 308may include additional, fewer, or alternate components, including thosediscussed elsewhere herein.

In the exemplary embodiment, structure 302 may be a vehicle, such as apassenger vehicle, a freight truck, a bus, an airplane, a train,automobile, boat, or other vehicle. In other embodiments, structure 302may be any land, nautical, and/or aeronautical vehicle. Each IRPV window304 may be configured to fit each window opening of structure 302. IRPVwindows 304 may be coupled to controller 308. In the exemplaryembodiment, controller 308 may be configured to provide similarcapabilities as, for example, inverter 106 and controller 108 shown inFIG. 1. Controller 308 may be configured to receive an electrical outputfrom IRPV windows 304 and generate a solar profile based, at least inpart, on the electrical output. In some embodiments, controller 308 mayreceive information from other systems of structure 302, such as GPSlocation. In certain embodiments, structure 302 may include a computingdevice with a display (not shown) that is communicatively coupled tocontroller 308 to receive and display the solar profile. The computingdevice of structure 302 may operate similar to, for example, usercomputing device 110, insurance computing device 120, and/or utilitycomputing device 130 shown in FIG. 1. In some embodiments, controllermay transmit the solar profile using the computing device of structure302 or another communication means of structure 302.

Exemplary IRPV Windows

FIGS. 4-6 illustrate cross-sections of exemplary IRPV windows 404, 504,and 604 that include IR material 412 and PV material 414. IRPV windows404, 504, and 604 depicted in FIGS. 4-6 may be used in an IRPV windowsystem, such as system 100. In the absence of contrary representation,IRPV windows 404, 504, and 604 may be similar to IRPV window 104. IRPVwindows 404, 504, and 604 may include additional, fewer, or alternatecomponents and configurations, including those discussed elsewhereherein.

With reference to FIG. 4, IRPV window 404 may include a protective layer411, an IR layer 413, and/or a PV layer 415. In some embodiments, IRPVwindow 404 may include a plurality of protective layers 411, IR layers413, and/or PV layers 415. Protective layer 411 may be fixedly coupledto IR layer 413. IR layer 413 may be further coupled to PV layer 415.Alternatively, protective layer 411, IR layer 413, and PV layer 415 maybe coupled together in a different configuration. In some embodiments, afilm may be coupled between protective layer 411, IR layer 413, and/orPV layer 415 to provide support (e.g., adhesive), cooling, and/or othercapabilities to IRPV window 404. Protective layer 411, IR layer 413, andPV layer 415 may be bonded together (e.g., a heat, pressure, and/orchemical treatment) and/or coupled together using fasteners such asadhesive, hooks, loops, buttons, and/or a window frame. In the exemplaryembodiment, protective layer 411 may be a glass window layer to supportIR layer 413 and PV layer 415. In other embodiments, protective layer411 may be made from a different material. PV layer 415 may includesub-layer and/or subcomponents as described below.

Referring now to FIG. 5, IRPV window 504 may be similar to IRPV window404 shown in FIG. 4 and, in the absence of contrary representation, thesame reference numbers identify the same or similar elements. In theexemplary embodiment, IRPV window 504 may include a first protectivelayer 511, a PV layer 515, and/or a second protective layer 517. PVlayer 515 may include IR material 412 and PV material 414 and may beconfigured to provide similar capabilities to a combination of an IRlayer and a PV layer, e.g., IR layer 413 and PV layer 415 shown in FIG.4. PV layer 515 may be coupled between first protective layer 511 andsecond protective layer 517.

IRPV window 604 is depicted in FIG. 6 and may be similar to IRPV window404 and 504. In the absence of contrary representation, the samereference numbers identify the same or similar elements. In theexemplary embodiment, IRPV window 604 may include first protective layer511, PV layer 515, second protective layer 517, separator 618, and/orinsulating layer 619. In other embodiments, IRPV window may include aplurality of separators 618 and/or insulating layers 619. As lightpasses through windows, external and internal heating and/or cooling ofa structure may be transferred through the windows. Separator 618 andinsulating layer 619 may provide additional support for inhibiting thetransfer of heating and/or cooling between an environment external ofthe structure and the interior of the structure. Separator 618 may bemade using a material that may not be thermally conductive. In theexemplary embodiment, separator 618 is made using the same material as aframe around IRPV window 604. In some embodiments, separator 618 may bemade of metal, plastic, rubber, and/or wood.

Separator 618 may define an air gap between second protective layer 517and insulating layer 619 to inhibit heat transfer between secondprotective layer 517 and insulating layer 619. Insulative layer 619 maybe similar to first and second protective layers 511, 517. In someembodiments, insulative layer 619 may be made from a material that maynot be thermally conductive. In the exemplary embodiment, insulativelayer 619 may be a glass window layer.

Exemplary PV Layer

FIG. 7 depicts a cross-section of an exemplary PV layer 740 that mayinclude protective films 742, electrodes 744, an electrical contact 745,a PV material 746, and/or a reflective material 748. PV layer 740 mayfurther include an IR material. PV layer 740 may be used in an IRPVwindow system, such as system 100. It is understood that PV layer 740may include additional, fewer, or alternative components andconfigurations, including those discussed elsewhere herein. For example,electrodes 744 and/or PV material 746 may be located at an edge of anIRPV window such that light may pass through an IRPV window.

Protective films 742 may enable at least a portion of light to passthrough the protective films while protecting PV layer 740 from externalstimuli such as moisture and heat. Protective films 742 may be madefrom, for example, a glass or plastic material. In one embodiment, PVlayer 740 may include a single protective film 742. In otherembodiments, PV layer 740 may include a different number (includingzero) of protective films 742.

In the exemplary embodiment, PV layer 740 may include two electrodes744. Alternatively, IRPV windows may have a different number (includingone and zero) of electrodes 744. Electrodes 744 may be configured toform an electrical circuit with PV material 746 and receive anelectrical output from PV material 746. In the exemplary embodiment,electrodes 744 are positioned parallel to PV material 746. In certainembodiments, electrodes 744 may be positioned at an edge of PV material746 (i.e., perpendicular). Electrodes 744 may be any conductive materialsuch as a metal. In some embodiments, electrodes 744 may be furtherconfigured to enable at least a portion of visible light to pass throughthe electrodes.

Electrical contact 745 may transport the electrical output of PVmaterial 746 from electrodes 744 to an external electrical system, e.g.,inverter 106 shown in FIG. 1. Electrical contact 745 may be anyconductive material such as copper, aluminum, iron, steel, gold, and/orplatinum. In some embodiments, PV layer 740 may include a plurality ofelectrical contacts 745. In other embodiments, IRPV windows 104 mayinclude no electrical contact 745 and electrodes 744 may be coupleddirectly to the external electrical system.

PV material 746 may be configured to absorb a portion of light, e.g.,infrared light, near-infrared light, and/or ultraviolet light, andproduce the electrical output. In some embodiments, heat transferthrough an IRPV window with PV layer 740 may be reduced. For example, PVmaterial 746 may absorb infrared light that generally may transfer heatthrough windows.

Reflective material 748 (also referred to as a “reflective layer”) maybe configured to reflect a portion of light towards PV material 746and/or away from PV material 746. Reflective material 748 may beconfigured to enable a portion of light such as visible light to passthrough the reflective material. In some embodiments, PV layer 740 mayinclude a different number (including zero) of reflective layers 748.

Exemplary Computing Device

FIG. 8 depicts an exemplary configuration of a computing device 802.Computing device 802 may include, but is not limited to, controller 108,user computing device 110, insurance computing device 120, and/orutility computing device 130 shown in FIG. 1. Computing device 802 mayalso include controller 208 shown in FIG. 2 and/or controller 308 shownin FIG. 3.

Computing device 802 may include a processor 805 for executinginstructions. In some embodiments, executable instructions may be storedin a memory area 810. Processor 805 may include one or more processingunits (e.g., in a multi-core configuration). Memory area 810 may be anydevice allowing information such as executable instructions and/or otherdata to be stored and retrieved. Memory area 810 may include one or morecomputer-readable media.

Computing device 802 may also include at least one media outputcomponent 815 for presenting information to a user 1200. Media outputcomponent 815 may be any component capable of conveying information touser 1200. In some embodiments, media output component 815 may includean output adapter, such as a video adapter and/or an audio adapter. Anoutput adapter may be operatively coupled to processor 805 andoperatively coupleable to an output device such as a display device(e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD), organic light emitting diode(OLED) display, cathode ray tube (CRT), or “electronic ink” display) oran audio output device (e.g., a speaker or headphones). In someembodiments, media output component 815 may be configured to present aninteractive user interface (e.g., a web browser or client application)to user 1200. The interactive user interface may include, for example, areality augmentation interface for requesting and viewing EnhancedSituation Visualization.

In some embodiments, computing device 802 may include an input device820 for receiving input from user 1200. Input device 820 may include,for example, a keyboard, a pointing device, a mouse, a stylus, a touchsensitive panel (e.g., a touch pad or a touch screen), a camera, agyroscope, an accelerometer, a position detector, a thermometer, athermocouple, and/or an audio input device. A single component such as atouch screen may function as both an output device of media outputcomponent 815 and input device 820.

Computing device 802 may also include a communication interface 825,which may be communicatively coupleable to a remote device such asinsurance computing device 120 (shown in FIG. 1). Communicationinterface 825 may include, for example, a wired or wireless networkadapter or a wireless data transceiver for use with a mobile phonenetwork (e.g., Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), 3G, 4G orBluetooth) or other mobile data network (e.g., WorldwideInteroperability for Microwave Access (WIMAX)).

Stored in memory area 810 are, for example, computer-readableinstructions for providing a user interface to user 1200 via mediaoutput component 815 and, optionally, receiving and processing inputfrom input device 820. A user interface may include, among otherpossibilities, a web browser and client application. Web browsers enableusers 1200 to display and interact with media and other informationtypically embedded on a web page or a website from a web serverassociated with a merchant. A client application allows users 1200 tointeract with a server application associated with, for example, avendor or business.

Exemplary Server Device

FIG. 9 depicts an exemplary configuration of a server computing device902. Server computing device 902 may be representative of user computingdevice 110, insurance computing device 120, and/or utility computingdevice 130 (all shown in FIG. 1). Server computing device 902 mayinclude a processor 904 for executing instructions. Instructions may bestored in a memory area 906, for example. Processor 904 may include oneor more processing units (e.g., in a multi-core configuration).

Processor 904 may be operatively coupled to a communication interface908 such that server computing device 902 may be capable ofcommunicating with a remote device such as computing device 802 shown inFIG. 8 or another server computing device 902. For example,communication interface 908 may receive requests from user computingdevice 802 via the Internet.

Processor 904 may also be operatively coupled to a storage device 910.Storage device 910 may be any computer-operated hardware suitable forstoring and/or retrieving data. In some embodiments, storage device 910may be integrated in server computing device 902. For example, servercomputing device 902 may include one or more hard disk drives as storagedevice 910. In other embodiments, storage device 910 may be external toserver computing device 902 and may be accessed by a plurality of servercomputing devices 902. For example, storage device 910 may includemultiple storage units such as hard disks or solid state disks in aRedundant Array of Inexpensive Disks (RAID) configuration. Storagedevice 910 may include a Storage Area Network (SAN) and/or a networkattached storage (NAS) system.

In some embodiments, processor 904 may be operatively coupled to storagedevice 910 via a storage interface 912. Storage interface 912 may be anycomponent capable of providing processor 904 with access to storagedevice 910. Storage interface 912 may include, for example, an AdvancedTechnology Attachment (ATA) adapter, a Serial ATA (SATA) adapter, aSmall Computer System Interface (SCSI) adapter, a RAID controller, a SANadapter, a network adapter, and/or any component providing processor 904with access to storage device 910.

Memory areas 810 (shown in FIG. 8) and 906 may include, but are notlimited to, random access memory (RAM) such as dynamic RAM (DRAM) orstatic RAM (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmableread-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-onlymemory (EEPROM), and non-volatile RAM (NVRAM). The above memory typesare example only, and are thus not limiting as to the types of memoryusable for storage of a computer program.

Exemplary Computer-Implemented Method for Generating a Solar Profile

FIG. 10 depicts an exemplary computer-implemented method 1000 forgenerating a solar profile from an IRPV window with a controller. Method1000 may be implemented by an IRPV window system, such as system 100shown in FIG. 1. Method 1000 may include additional, fewer, or alternateactions, including those discussed elsewhere herein, and/or may beimplemented via various local or remote processors, and/orcomputer-executable instructions stored on non-transitorycomputer-readable media or medium.

Method 1000 may begin with the controller monitoring 1002 an electricaloutput of at least one IRPV window. The controller may monitor, forexample, current data, voltage data, and/or power data. In the exemplaryembodiment, the controller stores the data of the electrical output. Insome embodiments, the controller may monitor non-electrical data of theat least one IRPV window, e.g., temperature data, and/or data from otherdata sources of the IRPV system such as a different energy producingsource or a utility computing device. In certain embodiments, thecontroller may receive data from a computing device such as a usercomputing device, an insurance computing device, and/or the utilitycomputing device.

The controller may generate 1004 a solar profile based, at least inpart, on the electrical output of the IRPV windows. In the exemplaryembodiment, the controller may begin to generate 1004 the solar profilebased upon a request and/or configuration of the controller. The requestmay be a one-time or scheduled, i.e., recurring, request. Theconfiguration of the controller may be a pre-defined schedule such as adefault schedule. In some embodiments, the controller may retrieve theelectrical data and other data (e.g., weather data, time data, and/orlocation data) from a memory associated with the controller or anothercomputing device. The controller may selectively include the retrieveddata in the solar profile. The solar profile may be formatted such thata recipient of the solar profile may identify the data included in thesolar profile.

After generating 1004 the solar profile, the controller may transmit1006 the solar profile to the user computing device, the insurancecomputing device, and/or the utility computing device. In someembodiments, the controller may transmit 1006 the solar profile to thecomputing device that requested the solar profile. The controller 1006may further transmit 1006 the solar profile to other computing devices.The controller may store 1008 the solar profile in a memory associatedwith the controller. In some embodiments, the controller may store aplurality of solar profiles such as solar profiles from different timeperiods of the structure and/or solar profiles of a plurality ofstructures. The controller may generate an aggregated solar profileusing at least a portion of the plurality of solar profiles and transmitthe aggregated solar profile to the user computing device, the insurancecomputing device, and/or the utility computing device. The controllerthen continues to monitor 1002 the electrical output.

Exemplary Computer-Implemented Method for Analyzing A Solar Profile

FIG. 11 depicts an exemplary computer-implemented method 1100 foranalyzing a solar profile from an IRPV window with an insurancecomputing device. Method 1100 may be implemented by an IRPV windowsystem, such as system 100 shown in FIG. 1. Method 1100 may includeadditional, fewer, or alternate actions, including those discussedelsewhere herein, and/or may be implemented via various local or remoteprocessors, and/or computer-executable instructions stored onnon-transitory computer-readable media or medium.

Method 1100 may begin with the insurance computing device receiving 1102a solar profile. In some embodiments, the insurance computing device maytransmit a request to receive the solar profile. In the exemplaryembodiment, the insurance computing device may receive 1102 the solarprofile from a controller. Additionally or alternatively, the insurancecomputing device may receive 1102 the solar profile from a computingdevice such as a user computing device or a utility computing device. Insome embodiments, the insurance computing device may send the solarprofile to the user computing device and/or the utility computingdevice.

The insurance computing device, upon acquiring the solar profile, mayidentify 1104 an insurance policy associated with the structure. In someembodiments, the solar profile may include an identifier that mayspecify the identity of the structure, an owner of the structure, aninsurance policy holder, the insurance policy, and/or any otheridentification information. In certain embodiments, the solar profilemay not be associated with an insurance policy. The insurance computingdevice may identify the solar profile is associated with a potentialcustomer and may provide an offer to attract the potential customer topurchase an insurance policy.

The insurance computing device may determine 1106 whether the insurancepolicy may be eligible for an insurance reward offer and/or a policyadjustment based, at least in part, on the solar profile. The insurancereward offer may include, for example, a discount, additional insurancebenefits, and/or other rewards. The policy adjustment may include, butis not limited to, a reduced cost of the insurance policy and/orincreased coverage the insurance policy. In some embodiments, theinsurance computing device may determine 1106 the eligibility of theinsurance policy by comparing the solar profile to previous solarprofiles of the structure and/or solar profiles from other structures.Additionally or alternatively, the insurance computing device maydetermine whether the solar profile is within a threshold value. Forexample, the insurance computing device may determine the percentage ofenergy produced by the IRPV windows relative to the energy consumed bythe structure is above a threshold value.

In the exemplary embodiment, the insurance computing device may notify1108 the user computing device if the insurance policy is eligible foran insurance reward offer and/or an insurance policy adjustment. In someembodiments, the insurance computing device may also notify 1108 theuser computing device if the insurance policy is not eligible. Thenotification or alert may include options to enable a user to accept ordecline the insurance reward offer and/or the insurance policyadjustment.

The insurance computing device may store 1110 the solar profile. In someembodiments, the insurance computing device may store a plurality ofsolar profiles that may be previous solar profiles of the structureand/or solar profiles of other structures. The insurance computingdevice may generate an aggregated solar profile based upon at least aportion of the plurality of solar profiles. The insurance computingdevice may use the plurality of solar profiles and/or the aggregatedsolar profile for trend and/or statistical analysis.

EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The present embodiments may relate to Photovoltaic (PV) panels, andprovide a renewable energy source. Clear PV material may be used thatwould allow vision through a film, and may be combined with glass foruse in glazed openings. Likewise, impact resistant glazing may be used.The use of IR glazing may reduce the prevalence of using plywood andshutters for hurricane/weather protection to dwellings prior toland-falling storms or other damaging wind events such as severethunderstorms, downbursts, derechos, and tornadoes.

Using both clear PV coatings with a tough laminate film may allowdevelopment of glazing products for doors and windows that are bothphotovoltaic and impact resistant. The present solution may be appliedto both residential and commercial construction, and may be usedthroughout the U.S. (i.e., not only in areas subject to hurricanes).

Impact resistance provided by the laminated film may allow clear PVmaterial to function as a protected opening that allows vision to theoutside. Also, concerning energy use, power from a PV window during themiddle parts of the day may be used for heating and cooling duringmaximum demand.

Lastly, getting conventional PV panels off the roof eliminates potentialleaks from roof penetrations at attachment points, and it eliminates thepossibility of PV panels becoming wind-borne debris themselves whenblown off of a roof during high winds.

In one aspect, an impact-resistant, photovoltaic (IRPV) window may beprovided. The IRPV window may include (a) a glass layer; and (b) alaminated film affixed or attached (directly or indirectly) to the glasslayer, wherein the laminated film has photovoltaic (PV) andimpact-resistant (IR) properties or comprises a photovoltaic (PV) andimpact-resistant (IR) glazing such that the IRPV window allows one tosee through the material, provides enhanced accident (breach) mitigationor prevention as compared to conventional glass windows, and provides arenewable source of energy to a home or vehicle that the IRPV window ismounted upon or affixed to.

In another aspect, an impact-resistant, photovoltaic (IRPV) window mayinclude (a) a laminated film, wherein the laminated film hasphotovoltaic (PV) and impact-resistant (IR) properties or comprises aphotovoltaic (PV) and impact-resistant (IR) glazing; (b) a first layerof laminated glass affixed or attached (directly or indirectly) to afirst side of the laminated film; and/or (c) a second layer of laminatedglass affixed or attached (directly or indirectly) to a second side ofthe laminated film such that a cross-section of the IRPV window is, inorder left to right, (1) first layer of laminated glass, (2) laminatedfilm with the photovoltaic (PV) and impact-resistant (IR) properties,and (3) second layer of laminated glass and further such that the IRPVwindow allows one to see through the material, provides enhancedaccident (breach) mitigation or prevention as compared to conventionalglass windows, and provides a renewable source of energy to a home orvehicle that the IRPV window is mounted upon.

In another aspect, an impact-resistant, photovoltaic (IRPV) window mayinclude (a) a laminated film, wherein the laminated film hasphotovoltaic (PV) and impact-resistant (IR) properties or comprises aphotovoltaic (PV) and impact-resistant (IR) glazing; (b) a first layerof glass in an insulated window unit or glazing system affixed orattached (indirectly or directly) to a first side of the laminated film;and/or (c) a second layer of glass in the insulated window unit affixedor attached (indirectly or directly) to a second side of the laminatedfilm such that a cross-section of the IRPV window such that the IRPVwindow allows one to see through the material, provides enhancedaccident (breach) mitigation or prevention as compared to conventionalglass windows, and provides a renewable source of energy to a home orvehicle that the IRPV window is mounted upon.

In another aspect, an impact-resistant, photovoltaic (IRPV) windowsystem may include (1) an IRPV window coupled to a structure, the IRPVwindow comprising a glass layer or layers, an impact resistant (IR)layer or material, a photovoltaic (PV) layer or material configured togenerate an electrical output, and an electrode coupled to the PVmaterial that receives the electrical output, the IRPV window configuredto permit at least a portion of visible light to pass through the IRPVwindow; and (2) a controller comprising at least one processor and amemory, wherein the controller is configured to monitor the electricaloutput and generate a solar profile of the structure based at least inpart on the electrical output.

An insurance provider may gather features of the IRPV window(s) beingused by a customer, such as via wireless communication from thecustomer's mobile device. Based upon the IRPV window(s) features, theinsurance provider may estimate risk mitigation or reduction resultingfrom the windows and then offer associated discounts on auto or homeinsurance to the customer due to decreased risk of damage. The insuranceprovider may also make recommendations regarding the number and/or typeof IRPV window to install on a home and/or vehicle to maximizeprotection from bad weather, as well as maximize harvesting renewable orsolar energy.

Although the systems and methods described may generally refer to singlepane IRPV windows (i.e., a single layer of glass or other protectivematerial), it is to be understood that IRPV windows with a plurality ofpanes such as double pane or triple pane may also be used.

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

As will be appreciated based upon the foregoing specification, theabove-described embodiments of the disclosure may be implemented usingcomputer programming or engineering techniques including computersoftware, firmware, hardware or any combination or subset thereof. Anysuch resulting program, having computer-readable code means, may beembodied or provided within one or more computer-readable media, therebymaking a computer program product, i.e., an article of manufacture,according to the discussed embodiments of the disclosure. Thecomputer-readable media may be, for example, but is not limited to, afixed (hard) drive, diskette, optical disk, magnetic tape, semiconductormemory such as read-only memory (ROM), and/or any transmitting/receivingmedium such as the Internet or other communication network or link. Thearticle of manufacture containing the computer code may be made and/orused by executing the code directly from one medium, by copying the codefrom one medium to another medium, or by transmitting the code over anetwork.

These computer programs (also known as programs, software, softwareapplications, “apps”, or code) include machine instructions for aprogrammable processor, and can be implemented in a high-levelprocedural and/or object-oriented programming language, and/or inassembly/machine language. As used herein, the terms “machine-readablemedium” “computer-readable medium” refers to any computer programproduct, apparatus and/or device (e.g., magnetic discs, optical disks,memory, Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs)) used to provide machineinstructions and/or data to a programmable processor, including amachine-readable medium that receives machine instructions as amachine-readable signal. The “machine-readable medium” and“computer-readable medium,” however, do not include transitory signals.The term “machine-readable signal” refers to any signal used to providemachine instructions and/or data to a programmable processor.

As used herein, a processor may include any programmable systemincluding systems using micro-controllers, reduced instruction setcircuits (RISC), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), logiccircuits, and any other circuit or processor capable of executing thefunctions described herein. The above examples are example only, and arethus not intended to limit in any way the definition and/or meaning ofthe term “processor.”

As used herein, the terms “software” and “firmware” are interchangeable,and include any computer program stored in memory for execution by aprocessor, including RAM memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROMmemory, and non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) memory. The above memory types areexample only, and are thus not limiting as to the types of memory usablefor storage of a computer program.

In one embodiment, a computer program is provided, and the program isembodied on a computer readable medium. In an example embodiment, thesystem is executed on a single computer system, without requiring aconnection to a sever computer. In a further embodiment, the system isbeing run in a Windows® environment (Windows is a registered trademarkof Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Wash.). In yet another embodiment,the system is run on a mainframe environment and a UNIX® serverenvironment (UNIX is a registered trademark of X/Open Company Limitedlocated in Reading, Berkshire, United Kingdom). The application isflexible and designed to run in various different environments withoutcompromising any major functionality. In some embodiments, the systemincludes multiple components distributed among a plurality of computingdevices. One or more components may be in the form ofcomputer-executable instructions embodied in a computer-readable medium.The systems and processes are not limited to the specific embodimentsdescribed herein. In addition, components of each system and eachprocess can be practiced independent and separate from other componentsand processes described herein. Each component and process can also beused in combination with other assembly packages and processes.

As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and precededby the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding pluralelements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly recited.Furthermore, references to “exemplary embodiment” or “one embodiment” ofthe present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excludingthe existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate therecited features.

The patent claims at the end of this document are not intended to beconstrued under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless traditionalmeans-plus-function language is expressly recited, such as “means for”or “step for” language being expressly recited in the claim(s).

This written description uses examples to disclose the disclosure,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to practice the disclosure, including making and using any devicesor systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scopeof the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include otherexamples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples areintended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structuralelements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, orif they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantialdifferences from the literal languages of the claims.

I claim:
 1. An impact-resistant, photovoltaic (IRPV) window systemcomprising: an inverter electrically coupled to an energy output of atleast one IRPV window, the inverter configured to: convert an electricaloutput from a direct current (DC) output to an alternating current (AC)output; a controller communicatively coupled to an insurance computingdevice and the inverter, the controller configured to: selectivelydirect the AC output of the inverter to at least one of an energystorage device, an electric device, and an electrical grid; generate asolar profile of a structure including the at least one IRPV window, thesolar profile generated based, at least in part, upon the electricaloutput collected by the inverter from the energy output of the at leastone IRPV window; and transmit the solar profile to the insurancecomputing device; and the insurance computing device comprising at leastone processor and at least one memory, the insurance computing deviceconfigured to: receive the solar profile of the structure including theat least one IRPV window, wherein the solar profile indicates theelectrical output of the at least one IRPV window, the electrical outputmonitored by the controller; identify, by performing a lookup within theat least one memory, the structure associated with the solar profile ofthe at least one IRPV window; and determine, based upon results from thelookup and the solar profile, whether an insurance policy associatedwith the structure is eligible for at least one of a policy adjustmentand an insurance reward offer.
 2. The system of claim 1 furthercomprising i) the controller including one or more processors and one ormore memories, and ii) a plurality of IRPV windows including the atleast one IRPV window, wherein the controller is configured to: monitoreach electrical output of each IRPV window of the plurality of IRPVwindows; and generate the solar profile based, at least in part, uponeach electrical output of each IRPV window.
 3. The system of claim 1,wherein the solar profile comprises at least one of a structureidentifier, a window identifier, a time and date stamp, voltage data,current data, power data, weather data, and Global Positioning System(GPS) data.
 4. The system of claim 1 further comprising a user computingdevice communicatively coupled to at least one of the controller and theinsurance computing device, the user computing device including aprocessor, a memory, and a user interface, wherein the user computingdevice is configured to: receive the solar profile from at least one ofthe controller and the insurance computing device; and display the solarprofile on the user interface.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the atleast one IRPV window includes i) an impact resistant (IR) layer, ii) aphotovoltaic (PV) material configured to generate the electrical output,and iii) an electrode coupled to the PV material that receives theelectrical output, the at least one IRPV window configured to permit atleast a portion of visible light to pass through the at least one IRPVwindow.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one IRPV windowfurther includes a first protective layer.
 7. The system of claim 6,wherein the at least one IRPV window further includes a secondprotective layer, wherein the IR layer is coupled between the firstprotective layer and the second protective layer.
 8. The system of claim7, wherein the first protective layer and the second protective layerare made of glass.
 9. The system of claim 5, wherein the IR layerincludes the PV material.
 10. The system of claim 5, wherein the atleast one IRPV window further includes a PV layer comprising the PVmaterial and the electrode.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the PVlayer further comprises at least one of a protective film, a reflectivematerial, and an electrical contact.
 12. The system of claim 5, whereinthe IR layer comprises at least one of polyvinyl butyral (PVB),ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), PET, and a resin material.
 13. The systemof claim 5, wherein the PV material comprises at least one of asemiconductor and an organic polymer.
 14. The system of claim 5, whereinthe PV material is configured to absorb at least one of infrared lightand ultraviolet light.
 15. The system of claim 1, wherein the structureis a building, and wherein the insurance computing device is furtherconfigured to identify, within the at least one memory, the insurancepolicy associated with the structure based, at least in part, upon thesolar profile.
 16. The system of claim 1, wherein the structure is avehicle, and wherein the insurance computing device is furtherconfigured to: receive a plurality of solar profiles associated with thestructure; generate an aggregated solar profile for the structure basedupon at least a portion of the plurality of solar profiles; and perform,using the aggregated solar profile, a solar profile trend analysis ofthe structure.
 17. A computer-implemented method for analyzing a solarprofile of a structure including at least one impact-resistant,photovoltaic (IRPV) window, said method comprising: interconnecting aninsurance computing device to a controller that is communicativelycoupled to an inverter electrically coupled to an energy output of theat least one IRPV window, wherein the controller is configured to i)selectively direct the AC output of the inverter to at least one of anenergy storage device, an electric device, and an electrical grid, ii)generate the solar profile of the structure based, at least in part,upon an electrical output collected by the inverter from the energyoutput of the at least one IRPV window, and ii) transmit the solarprofile to the insurance computing device, and wherein the inverter isconfigured to convert the electrical output from a direct current (DC)output to an alternating current (AC) output; receiving, at theinsurance computing device, the solar profile of the structure, whereinthe solar profile indicates the electrical output of the at least oneIRPV window, the electrical output monitored by the controller;identifying, by performing a lookup within at least one memory by theinsurance computing device, the structure associated with the solarprofile of the at least one IRPV window; and determining, by theinsurance computing device based upon results from the lookup and thesolar profile, whether an insurance policy associated with the structureis eligible for at least one of a policy adjustment and an insurancereward offer based upon the solar profile.
 18. The system of claim 4,wherein the insurance computing device is further configured totransmit, to the user computing device, a notification indicatingwhether the insurance policy associated with the structure is eligiblefor at least one of the policy adjustment and the insurance rewardoffer, wherein the notification includes options to enable a userassociated with the user computing device to accept or decline at leastone of the policy adjustment and the insurance reward offer.